There are times when I see a design and think to myself, that doesn't seem very practical.  Some people have no problem living with curtains that drape and drag on the floor (can you imagine how dirty the ends get?), or living with silk velvet chairs placed under dripping candelabras, or white upholstered sofas.

There are certain times when interior design doesn't seem to be practical.  That design overwhelms the function of the space.  I'm a logical and super practical person.  I'm a problem-solver and risk-avoider.  I don't want to put my clients in a position that could create hassles or troubles down the road.

A big trend I've seen lately is stacked wood.  It looks beautiful, its natural, graphic, inexpensive, and an easy way to fill up a lot of space.  But all I can think about is how dirty all that wood is and how spiders, scorpions and other creepy-crawlers love to live in wood piles.

So I ask, practical or not?

• Better Homes & Gardens
• Ouriço Arquitetura e Design
• The Collected Home by Darrell Carter
• On Site Management Inc
• Meister Construction

and a brilliant idea for getting the look without the risk:

Pepper Design Blog

title photo by Jeff Attaway